Church Energy Audits in the United States

According to the Hartford Institute there are about 350,000 churches in the United States (US). Churches generally operate fewer hours per week than commercial or industrial facilities. Congregations are generally small with a median size of 75 with annual budgets of $90,000. About 90% of all American congregations are 350 or less, but 50% of all church participants attend churches larger than 350 attendees. In light of recent increases in energy costs many churches in the US consume significant portions of their operating budgets for lighting, heating and cooling. Graduate students in the Master of Construction Management program at Western Carolina University in North Carolina performed energy audits of churches during the spring semester of 2013. Eighteen churches were audited. Average energy bills amounted to nearly $20,000 per year per church. Recurring energy wasting issues were noted and categorized. A list of common, low cost energy conserving strategies was formulated based upon the recurring themes of the audits performed. Inefficient incandescent lighting was still used in twelve of the churches surveyed. Weather stripping and caulking issues were noted in nine churches. Motion sensors for lighting control were recommended for nine churches. Programmable thermostats were recommended for ten churches.